Southeast Louisiana Legal Services – Lake Charles

Legal Aid · Louisiana · Free

Free civil legal help for low-income fathers in the Lake Charles and southwest Louisiana region, covering family law, housing, public benefits, and consumer matters. Intake screens income eligibility; bring photo ID, pay stubs, and court paperwork. Walk in at 1011 Lakeshore Drive Suite 402 weekdays or call 337-439-0377. Priority given to urgent family safety and housing stability cases.

Contact & Details

Address: 1011 Lakeshore Dr #402, Lake Charles, LA 70601

Phone: 337-439-0377

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

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About Legal Aid for Fathers

Legal aid in the United States is delivered through a network of nonprofit organizations, law school clinics, pro bono attorney programs, and court-based self-help centers. Most legal aid organizations serve people with incomes at or below 125–200% of the Federal Poverty Level, though some programs have higher thresholds for certain case types. Legal Services Corporation (LSC)-funded programs exist in every state and handle family law, housing, public benefits, and consumer cases. Law schools often run clinics where supervised students provide free representation. Bar associations coordinate volunteer attorneys through Modest Means and pro bono panels. For fathers specifically, the most common legal aid needs are custody, child support modifications, paternity establishment, and protective order responses — all areas most legal aid programs handle.

Legal Aid in Louisiana

Louisiana is the only US state based on civil law (Napoleonic Code) rather than common law. Family matters are heard in district courts, with most parishes having dedicated family sections. The Department of Children and Family Services Child Support Enforcement Services handles enforcement. New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette are the major cities. Southeast Louisiana Legal Services and Acadiana Legal Service Corporation provide civil legal aid.

More Legal Aid in Louisiana

  • Northwest Louisiana Legal Services — Free civil legal representation for low-income fathers in northwest Louisiana, covering custody, divorce, housing, and family safety issues.
  • Pro Bono Project – New Orleans — Free legal help through volunteer attorneys for qualifying low-income fathers in the greater New Orleans area, covering family law, housing,
  • Louisiana Civil Justice Center — Self-help legal assistance for unrepresented fathers in civil and family matters, based in the Orleans Parish courthouse. Staff assist with
  • Capital Area Legal Services — Free civil legal services for low-income fathers in East Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes, covering custody, divorce, housing, protectiv
  • Louisiana Law Help — Online legal information portal with plain-language guides, court forms, and resource directories for self-represented fathers statewide. Co
  • Shreveport Bar Association – Pro Bono — Free legal clinics through volunteer attorneys for qualifying low-income fathers in the Shreveport and northwest Louisiana area. Clinics cov

Legal Aid — Common Questions

How do I qualify for free legal aid?
Most Legal Services Corporation (LSC)-funded programs serve households at or below 125–200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Eligibility also depends on case type — family law, housing, and public benefits are universally covered; other areas vary. Call your state's legal aid intake line to confirm.
What if I don't qualify for legal aid but can't afford a private lawyer?
Look for 'Modest Means' panels through your state bar association — they connect middle-income clients with lawyers at reduced rates. Law school clinics also provide free representation in specific case types. Many attorneys will handle a limited scope representation (one motion, one hearing) for a flat fee.
Can legal aid represent me in a custody case?
Yes, most LSC programs handle custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and protective order cases. They typically prioritize cases involving abuse, dependent children, or urgent risk. Simple uncontested matters may be referred to self-help centers instead.
How long does legal aid intake take?
Same-day phone intake for simple matters; 1–2 weeks for full assessment and case assignment. Walk-in clinics and advice-only sessions are faster. Bring government ID, proof of income (pay stubs, benefits letters), any court papers you've received, and a summary of your situation.